What to do and see in Galveston, Texas (TX): The Best Things to do

May 29, 2021 Lean Nau

More than 30 miles of beaches plus a wealth of cultural and historic institutions make this island a Gulf of Mexico vacation hot spot. If you go, don't forget your walking shoes: With 14 museums and 20 art galleries, plus several historic homes and mansions, there's a lot of ground to cover. Armchair pilots will love the Lone Star Flight Museum and those with more of a nautical interest can check out the Texas Seaport Museum. Families will enjoy the many child-friendly attractions, including Moody Gardens, with its replica of a tropical rain forest. It's easy to get caught up in all the activities, but don't forget to spend some downtime in the sun and on the beach.
Restaurants in Galveston

1. The Strand

2100 Strand St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-1633 +1 409-762-2515 http://www.galveston.com/downtowntour/
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,020 reviews

The Strand

A lively strip in the heart of historic Galveston feautures pubs, delis and specialty shops.

Reviewed By OriginalYouth - Fort Worth, United States

We always try to take a walk around at the Strand when we visit Galveston. There are lots of shops for all budgets, including souvenirs, toys, Resort Wear, collectibles, beauty products Etc. There are restaurants and lots of photo opportunities including street art and murals, a giant chair to pose with, covered awnings in an amazing candy store where you can watch them make fresh taffy.

2. The Seawall

Galveston, Galveston Island, TX +1 409-797-5182 http://Galveston.com
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,882 reviews

The Seawall

Walk along this eight-mile seawall built to protect Galveston from the raging winds and waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Reviewed By Nomad062_10 - Omaha, United States

I never tire of driving up and down the seawall. Beautiful ocean view. Miles of beach. Functional and iconic. Plenty of activities, shops, and food. Must pay to park along the wall which is different from the last time we visited.

3. Moody Mansion

2618 Broadway St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4427 +1 409-762-7668 http://www.moodymansion.org/
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 736 reviews

Moody Mansion

Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Today, our guests visit 20 rooms on a self-guided tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance and hotels. The mansion is one of the finest places to visit, a trip back in time. Touring the museum should definitely be on the top on the list for things to do on Historic Galveston Island. Tour Information: Self-guided Audio Tours: Children 6 & Under Free Self-guided audio tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last tickets sold at 4p.m.; house closes at 5 p.m.) Behind-the-scenes Tours: Exclusive docent-guided tours to areas not normally open to the public 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday | limited size tours | reservations highly recommended Group Tours: Moody Mansion tour descriptions: Self-guided audio tours: Two audio tours allow you to set your own pace through the house and grounds. • The Moody Family tour features six members of the Moody family telling stories about their ancestors. This tour is also translated into Spanish. • Mary’s tour, appropriate for children and adults, is narrated by an actress portraying the late Mary Moody Northen as if she were guiding you through her home. Guided 25th Anniversary Tour: Behind-the-scenes tours celebrate the 25th anniversary of Moody Mansion’s restoration. A knowledgeable docent guides guests through areas not normally open to the public, describing Mary Moody Northen’s vision for preserving her home and sharing her collections. These tours are conducted at 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tour size is limited; reservations are highly recommended.

Reviewed By ksufan88 - Wichita, United States

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gift shop (located at the back of the property along with some off-street parking) with credit or debit (no cash). We received an excellent explanation of what to expect during the tour from the lady at the gift shop who handed us the audio devices (sealed in plastic bags). There were three audio choices at each of the stations in each of the rooms open for tours on the first and second floors (regular information, personal diary snippets, and regular information in Spanish). There is also a short introductory video and three old cars to see in the garage. The home contains period furnishing and family photographs, and the audio tour is well done. We were able to see everything in 90 minutes.

4. 1892 Bishop's Palace

1402 Broadway St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4938 +1 409-762-2475 [email protected] http://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/1892-bishops-palace
Excellent
63%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,305 reviews

1892 Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in the area of architecture. Architectural historians list the Bishop's Palace (Gresham House) as one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country. It is owned and operated by Galveston Historical Foundation.

Reviewed By elchaco - Houston, United States

I've been to Galveston so many times and this was the first time visiting Bishop's Palace. The self guided tour allows you to enjoy the house at your own pace and really take in the details and experience what it was like to live in those times. I thought my kids (8 and 14) were going to be bored, but turns out they really liked it too!

5. Galveston Naval Museum

100 Seawolf Parkway Blvd Seawolf Park, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1 409-770-3196 [email protected] http://galvestonnavalmuseum.com/
Excellent
49%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 637 reviews

Galveston Naval Museum

Welcome Aboard! Galveston Naval Museum is home to two Historic Naval Ships listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Touring both the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart, you'll learn what sailors and submariners ate, where they slept and how they worked together as a fighting force during World War II. We are more than a WWII museum. We are an educational center and unique venue for Ship Sleepovers, private events and special occasions. Our Mission: To PRESERVE the historic integrity and authenticity of our ships. To REMEMBER and HONOR our Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much for our enduring freedom. To EDUCATE all generations about American history, U.S. Navy heritage and innovation, and the courage of our military heroes and their families.

Reviewed By Wyosoldier - Cheyenne, United States

The park is seperate from the military display area, so there is a parking fee. It is wonderful they were able to rescue and preserve these historic ships. The sub is very well preserved but the destroyer escort is suffering from rust issues. It is still worth the visit and to read their story. It is called Seawolf Park in remembrance of a WWII sub that didn't return. The compass on the ground has plaques of all the WWII subs that are still on patrol.

6. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

Harborside Drive & 20th St 20th Street at Harborside Drive, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1 409-766-7827 [email protected] http://www.OceanStarOEC.com
Excellent
57%
Good
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Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 985 reviews

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

The Ocean Star is a retired jackup drilling rig that offers a fun, hands on way to learn about the offshore oil and gas industry in a comfortable and accessible facility. The museum features three floors of models, exhibits, equipment and interactive displays illustrating the story of offshore exploration and production. This self guided museum offers visitors the unique opportunity to board an actual offshore rig. While ticket sales halt at 4:00 PM, visitors can remain until the site closes at 5:00. Welcome Aboard!

Reviewed By mphy - Tulsa, United States

We happened to visit on the rig’s 50th anniversary so we got in for free and do not know the actual cost. We donated money and ate a celebratory cookie in it honor! It is very educational for offshore drilling and for the oil & gas industry. It’s a self guided tour with lots of models and real equipment to see. There is a short movie you can watch in the beginning that I highly recommend.

7. Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry

502 Ferry Rd, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-3146 +1 361-749-2850 http://www.galveston.com/galvestonferry
Excellent
70%
Good
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Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,109 reviews

Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry

Reviewed By SugarBritches2013 - Galveston Island, United States

It’s just kind of exciting to ride your bike onto the fairy and go across the bay and just see all the things and smell the Seabreeze and take pictures of the seagulls flying across the ferry boat and watching the ships go by.You also sometimes get a chance to see the dolphins swimming next to the ferry which is kind of neat as well.

8. The Bryan Museum

1315 21st St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4717 +1 409-632-7685 http://www.thebryanmuseum.org
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 319 reviews

The Bryan Museum

Reviewed By 90kathrynk - Houston, United States

This is a fabulous museum featuring Southwest art and historical artifacts. It also has a lovely Gift Store and beautiful grounds.

9. Moody Gardens

1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77554-8928 +1 409-683-4200 [email protected] http://www.moodygardens.org/
Excellent
43%
Good
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Satisfactory
15%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,705 reviews

Moody Gardens

Surrounded by vivid colors and wildlife from across the globe, you're immediately engaged at the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids. Moments later, you're transported via state-of-the-art imagery and sound at the MG3D Theater with the world's first Giant Screen 6P Laser Projector on the largest screen in Texas. Then, the thrill of the Ropes Course and Zip Line, Speed Exhibition and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat awaits. And whether it's morning golf, a spa afternoon, a Palm Beach playdate, or a dreamy overnight hotel stay, take this moment and make it your own as you immerse yourself in some real quality time.

Reviewed By steverM9274BF - Evansville, United States

Moody Gardens New Year Palooza was exceptional! Too many great activities to list! See picture! From the Penguin Experience to Iceland to Rainforest to Aquarium to the Colonel Paddle wheeler to Festival of Lights to Ice Skating to ...! 4 yo Granddaughter, 6 yo Grandson, their parents, Wife and I were pampered! Special Thanx to Adriana in Reservations, Scot the Bellman, Aurelia our Banquet Server and Raymond Banquet Manager who seemed to always be “there”! Highly Recommend

10. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-7955 +1 855-789-7437 [email protected] http://www.pleasurepier.com
Excellent
32%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
8%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 1,711 reviews

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Reviewed By 726paigep - Hale Center, United States

I rode all the rides and except the log ride thing those rides are fun the rules are good and I love the place

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